Light emitting device including rgb light emitting diodes and phosphor

ABSTRACT

A light emitting device includes a plurality light emitting diodes configured to produce a primary light; a wavelength conversion means configured to at least partially convert the primary light into secondary light having peak emission wavelength ranges between 450 nm and 520 nm, between 500 nm and 570 nm, and between 570 nm and 680 nm; and a molded part to enclose the light emitting diodes and the wavelength conversion means.

CROSS REFERENCE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/569,060, filed on Jun. 22, 2007, which is the National Stage Entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2005/001288 filed on May 3, 2005, and claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-0034001, filed May 13, 2004, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to a light emitting device (LED), and more particularly, to an LED, which comprises RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light emitting diodes and a wavelength-conversion means so as to exhibit a high color temperature and a high color rendering index, and thus, is suitable for use in apparatuses, such as home appliances, audio systems and communication products, and in various exterior and interior displays, automobiles and lighting fixtures.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, an LED which emits white light has been fabricated to include a Ga(In)N light emitting diode which emits blue light at about 460 nm and a YAG:Ce.sup.3+ phosphor which emits yellow light (BY emission method, U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,925 and EP 862794). However, the LED for use in emission of white light is limitedly used, since it has a low color temperature of about 6,000 to 8,000 K and a low color rendering index of about 60-70 due to the absence of a predetermined color component (e.g., red).

Alternatively, white color is realized by mixing three red, green and blue colors (RGB emission method), which is disclosed in detail in WO 98/39805.

However, since the RGB light emitting diodes have different constitutive materials or properties to one another, their luminous intensities vary. Accordingly, it is impossible to actually reproduce all colors in a visible light wavelength range using the RGB emission method.

That is, red light, green light and blue light are sequentially shortened in wavelengths, and thus, the light emitting diodes have low luminous intensities due to the short wavelengths. As such, the red and green light emitting diodes have relatively higher luminous intensities than the blue light emitting diode. In recent years, the difference in relative luminous intensities of the light emitting diodes has further increased due to the techniques for fabricating LEDs. Consequently, white light for use in desired purposes, for example, lighting fixtures or automobiles, cannot be realized even by the RGB emission method using three RGB light emitting diodes having different wavelengths.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Therefore, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an LED having a wavelength-conversion means, which is advantageous in that because it has a high color temperature of about 2,000 to 8,000 K or 10,000 K and a high color rendering index of 90 or more, it can be used in apparatuses such as home appliances, audio systems and communication products, and in various exterior and interior displays, automobiles and lighting fixtures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an LED, which comprises light emitting diodes having narrow emission wavelength ranges and a phosphor so that yellow-green light or orange light having relatively wide emission wavelength ranges is emitted, thus realizing various colors in a visible light wavelength range and high color rendering ability.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an LED comprising at least three light emitting diodes having different peak emission wavelengths to primarily emit light in a blue, green or red wavelength range; and a wavelength-conversion means to convert the primary light into secondary light in a visible light wavelength range.

Preferably, the LED further comprises at least one light emitting diode to emit light in a blue and/or blue-green wavelength range.

In the LED, the at least three light emitting diodes comprise a first light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 440 and 500 nm; a second light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm; and a third light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 670 nm. In addition, a fourth light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 410 and 460 nm is further included.

As such, the wavelength-conversion means comprises a single phosphor or a mixture of phosphors. For example, the wavelength-conversion means includes any one selected from among a first phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm, a second phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, a third phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 680 nm, and mixtures thereof. Also, each phosphor consists of one or more phosphor components in the corresponding wavelength range.

In the LED, it is preferable that the light emitting diodes and the wavelength-conversion means be mounted in a single package. As such, the wavelength-conversion means is placed on at least one of an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface of the light emitting diode, or is mixed with a conductive adhesive or distributed in a molded part.

In the LED according to first and second embodiments, the single package is formed into a chip package, which comprises a substrate, one or more light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate, and a wavelength-conversion means placed around the light emitting diodes.

In the LED according to third and fourth embodiments, the single package is formed into a top package, which comprises a substrate having a reflector formed thereon, one or more light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate, and a wavelength-conversion means placed around the light emitting diodes.

In the LED according to the first to fourth embodiments, the substrate is formed of metal to emit heat generated by the one or more light emitting diodes. Also, when the LED further comprises a radiation sheet mounted on the substrate formed of metal, its heat emission efficiency is further increased.

In the LED according to the first to fourth embodiments, the LED further comprises a molded part to enclose the light emitting diodes and the wavelength-conversion means on the substrate, in which the wavelength-conversion means may be uniformly distributed in the molded part.

In the LED according to a fifth embodiment, the single package is formed into a lamp package, which comprises a pair of lead electrodes, one or more light emitting diodes mounted on one of the pair of lead electrodes, a wavelength-conversion means placed around the light emitting diodes, and a molded part to enclose the light emitting diodes and the wavelength-conversion means.

In the LED according to sixth and seventh embodiments, the single package is formed into a high output package, which comprises one or more light emitting diodes, a wavelength-conversion means placed around the light emitting diodes, and a heat sink to emit heat generated by the one or more light emitting diodes. As such, when the radiation sheet is further attached on the heat sink, heat is effectively emitted.

Used in the present invention, the light emitting diodes each include a substrate formed of silicon carbide or sapphire and a nitride epitaxial layer formed on the substrate.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an LED according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the LED is formed into a chip package comprising three light emitting diodes and a wavelength-conversion means;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the LED including RGB light emitting diodes and a phosphor emitting orange light, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the LED including RB light emitting diodes, two phosphors having different peak emission wavelengths, and a phosphor emitting orange light, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an LED according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the LED is formed into a chip package comprising four light emitting diodes and a wavelength-conversion means;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a top package, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side package, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a lamp package, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a high output package, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a high output package, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an LED according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a chip package including three light emitting diodes and a wavelength-conversion means is shown. As shown in the drawing, a substrate 1 has electrode patterns 5 formed on both surfaces thereof, and three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 to primarily generate light having different wavelengths are mounted on either electrode pattern 5. The light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 are mounted on the electrode pattern 5 using a conductive adhesive 9, and electrodes of the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 are connected to another electrode pattern (not shown) by means of a conductive wire 2.

A wavelength-conversion means 3 is placed on upper surfaces and side surfaces of the three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8. The wavelength-conversion means 3 functions to convert light generated by the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 into secondary light in the visible light wavelength range. The wavelength-conversion means 3 mixed with a thermosetting resin, for example, an epoxy resin or a silicone resin may be dotted on the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8.

In addition, the wavelength-conversion means 3 mixed with the conductive adhesive 9 may be placed on the lower surfaces of the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8.

An upper portion of the substrate 1 having the three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 mounted thereon is molded using the thermosetting resin to form a molded part 10. In the LED 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the wavelength-conversion means 3 is uniformly dotted on the upper surfaces and side surfaces of the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 at a predetermined thickness. Alternatively, the wavelength-conversion means 3 may be uniformly distributed throughout the molded part 10, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,664 filed by the present inventors.

Of the three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8, a first light emitting diode 6 has a peak emission wavelength between 440 and 500 nm, a second light emitting diode 7 has a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, and a third light emitting diode 8 has a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 670 nm. The first light emitting diode 6 emits light in the purple blue to blue wavelength range, and the second light emitting diode 7 emits light in the green to yellow green wavelength range. Also, the third light emitting diode 8 emits light in the greenish yellow to red wavelength range. The first, second and third light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 each include a substrate made of silicon carbide or sapphire and a nitride epitaxial layer formed on the substrate.

The wavelength-conversion means 3 includes a single phosphor or a mixture of different phosphors. That is, the wavelength-conversion means 3 includes at least one phosphor selected from among a first phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm, a second phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, and a third phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 680 nm, in which the first phosphor emits blue light, the second phosphor emits green to yellow light, and the third phosphor emits yellow to red light. In addition, each phosphor may consist of one or more phosphor components having different peak emission wavelengths in the corresponding wavelength range.

The phosphor of the wavelength-conversion means 3 is composed of silicates represented by a general formula of (Ba,Sr,Ca).sub.xSiO.sub.4:Eu and/or Mn. As such, the mixing ratio of Ba, Sr and Ca, the mixing ratio of (Ba,Sr,Ca).sub.xSiO.sub.4:Eu and (Ba,Sr,Ca).sub.xSiO.sub.4:Mn, and the mixing ratio of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mn and Eu are appropriately controlled to obtain the first phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm, the second phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, or the third phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 680 nm. In this way, the phosphors are mixed with each other at an appropriate ratio to constitute the wavelength-conversion means 3.

In the LED 11 according to the first embodiment, the first light emitting diode 6, the second light emitting diode 7 and the third light emitting diode 8 are supplied with external power by means of the electrode pattern 5. Thereby, light having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm and light having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm are primarily generated by the first light emitting diode 6 and the second light emitting diode 7, respectively. In addition, light having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 680 nm is primarily generated by the third light emitting diode 8. Subsequently, while the phosphors are excited by light generated by the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8, secondary light having peak emission wavelengths between 450 and 520 nm, between 500 and 570 nm, and/or between 570 and 680 nm is produced.

Hence, in the LED 11, the primary light generated by the first, second and third light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 is combined with the secondary light converted into predetermined wavelengths by the phosphors to realize the color of the corresponding visible light wavelength range. Further, the desired color is realized by appropriately controlling the mixing ratios of the phosphors.

For example, in the case where the first phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm and the second phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm are used, secondary light ranging from 570 to 680 nm is not generated. Hence, the primary light emitted by the two light emitting diodes is combined with the secondary light converted into predetermined wavelengths by the phosphors, thus realizing another color in the visible light wavelength range. In addition to the mixing ratios of the phosphors, the light emitting diodes having desired peak emission wavelengths in the corresponding wavelength ranges may be appropriately selected to achieve the desired emission on the color coordinate system.

Therefore, when the three RGB light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8, having different wavelengths, are used along with a wavelength-conversion means emitting orange light, the LED having the emission spectrum shown in FIG. 2 is manufactured. Such an LED has a color temperature of 2,500 to 3,000 K and a color rendering index of about 98. In the present embodiment, the light emitting diodes and the phosphors are appropriately selected so that the desired emission on the color coordinate system can be easily achieved.

For example, when the RB light emitting diodes are used together with the three kinds of phosphors having wavelengths corresponding to orange, first green and second green light, the LED has the emission spectrum shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the LED has a color temperature of about 3,000 K and a color rendering index of about 96.

In addition, the light emitting diodes and the phosphors constituting the wavelength-conversion means may be appropriately selected. For example, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an LED according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a chip package including four light emitting diodes and a wavelength-conversion means is shown.

The LED according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, with the exception that one light emitting diode is further included. A fourth light emitting diode has a peak emission wavelength between 410 and 460 nm and thus emits purple blue light.

In the LED 20, when the first, second, third and fourth light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 are supplied with external power by means of the electrode pattern 5, they primarily produce light at the corresponding peak emission wavelengths. Subsequently, primary light is partially converted into secondary light, having peak emission wavelengths between 450 and 520 nm, between 500 and 570 nm, and between 570 and 680 nm, by the excited phosphors. In this case, the primary light emitted by the light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 is combined with the secondary light converted into predetermined wavelengths by the phosphors to emit light in the visible light wavelength range.

As such, each phosphor may consist of one or more phosphor components having different peak emission wavelengths in the corresponding wavelength range. In addition, the mixing ratios of the phosphors are appropriately controlled, and thus, the emission wavelength may be shifted into a desired emission wavelength on the color coordinate system.

In the LED 20 according to the second embodiment, the same objects and effects as in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are achieved. The LEDs 11 and 20 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention have a high color temperature and excellent color rendering properties, and thus, can be applied to electronic products, such as home appliances, audio systems and communication products, and as well, various exterior and interior displays, in particular, automobiles and lighting fixtures.

The technical characteristics of the present invention, concerning FIGS. 1 to 4, are not limited only to the chip package, and may be applied to various LED packages, thus achieving the same objects and effects.

Hereinafter, the embodiments wherein the present techniques are applied to various LED packages are described, with reference to the appended drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same components and structures as in FIGS. 1 to 4, and the technical principles relating to the light emitting diodes and the wavelength-conversion means are similarly applied.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a top package, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The top package 30, which is an LED for use in a backlight unit for displays, has almost the same structure as the LEDs according to the first and second embodiments, with the exception that a reflector 31 is mounted on the substrate. The reflector 31 functions to reflect light emitted by the light emitting diode 6 in a desired direction.

The top package 30 includes three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or four light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21, each of which has different peak emission wavelengths.

Further, the top package 30 may be provided with the wavelength-conversion means 3, including a plurality of phosphors having different emission wavelengths, which are mixed with each other at one of various ratios. Such a wavelength-conversion means 3 may be dotted on the light emitting diode 6 in the reflector 31 or uniformly distributed in the thermosetting resin molded part 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side package according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The side package 40 has almost the same structure as the top package of FIG. 5, with the exception that its outer appearance is shaped in a very thin rectangle. A detailed description of the side package 40 according to the fourth embodiment refers to the description related to FIG. 5.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the substrate 1 formed of metal having high heat conductivity is used to readily emit heat generated when operating the light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21. Thereby, a high output LED can be obtained. Further, when a radiation sheet (not shown) is additionally attached on the substrate, heat may be effectively radiated from the light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lamp package according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The lamp package 50 includes a pair of lead electrodes 51 and 52. In addition, a diode holder 53 is formed at an upper end of the lead electrode 51. The diode holder 53 is cup-shaped, in which three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or four light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 are mounted. The light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 have different peak emission wavelengths, as in the above embodiments. The electrodes of the light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 are connected to the other lead electrode 52 by means of the conductive wire 2.

The inner wall of the cup-shaped holder 53 is coated with an epoxy resin 54 mixed with a predetermined amount of wavelength-conversion means 3. The wavelength-conversion means 3 includes a plurality of phosphors having different peak emission wavelengths, which are mixed with each other at an appropriate ratio, as in the above embodiments.

Further, each phosphor may consist of one or more phosphor components having predetermined peak emission wavelengths in the corresponding wavelength range.

The outer portion of the diode holder 53 including the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or 6, 7, 8 and 21 and the wavelength-conversion means 3 is molded with the thermosetting resin, for example, epoxy or silicone.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a high output package according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The high output package 60 includes a plurality of separate heat sinks 61 and 62 on which the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or 6, 7, 8 and 21 are mounted, and a housing 63 in which the wavelength-conversion means 3 is placed on the upper surfaces and side surfaces of the light emitting diodes 6 and 7. A plurality of lead frames 64 to which external power is supplied protrude externally from the housing 63.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a high output package according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the package 70, a single heat sink 71 is partially received in a housing 73 to be exposed. Also, a pair of lead frames 74 protrudes externally. The light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or 6, 7, 8 and 21 are mounted on the heat sink 71 and connected to the lead frames 74 through the conductive wire (not shown). In addition, the wavelength-conversion means 3 is placed on the upper surface and side surfaces of the light emitting diode 6.

In the high output package 60 or 70 according to the sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength-conversion means 3 is placed at an adhesion portion between the heat sinks 61 and 62 or 71 and the light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 or 6, 7, 8 and 21. A lens may be mounted on the housing 63 or 73. The package 70 according to the seventh embodiment is advantageous because its height can be minimized, compared to the package 60 according to the sixth embodiment.

In the case where the three light emitting diodes 6, 7 and 8 are included in the high output package 60 or 70, the first light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 440 and 500 nm, the second light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm and the third light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 670 nm may be used.

In the case where the four light emitting diodes 6, 7, 8 and 21 are included, the first light emitting diode has a peak emission wavelength between 440 and 500 nm, the second light emitting diode has a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, the third light emitting diode has a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 670 nm, and the fourth light emitting diode has a peak emission wavelength between 410 and 460 nm.

In the cases of using three or four light emitting diodes, the wavelength-conversion means 3 includes a first phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 450 and 520 nm, a second phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 500 and 570 nm, and a third phosphor having a peak emission wavelength between 570 and 680 nm, which are mixed with each other at an appropriate ratio.

In the high output package 60 or 70, it is preferable that the radiation sheet (not shown) be separately or integrally mounted on the heat sinks 61 and 62 or 71. Then, when each light emitting diode is operated by high input power, heat generated by each light emitting diode can be effectively emitted. The radiation sheet may be cooled by means of passive air circulation or forcible circulation using a fan.

In the high output package 60 or 70, when external power is supplied, each light emitting diode primarily emits light at the corresponding peak wavelengths. Then, while the phosphors are excited by primary light, they produce secondary light at the corresponding peak emission wavelengths. At this time, the primary light generated by each light emitting diode is combined with the secondary light converted into pre-determined wavelengths by the phosphors to realize the color of the corresponding visible light wavelength range. Further, when the mixing ratios of the phosphors are appropriately controlled, the desired color on the color coordinate system can be easily realized.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes using three or four light emitting diodes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible by using at least one light emitting diode, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described hereinbefore, the present invention provides an LED having a relatively high color temperature of 2,000 to 8,000 K or 10,000 K and a high color rendering index of 90 or more, by appropriately controlling the mixing ratios of the phosphors having different peak emission wavelengths or selectively using the light emitting diodes having different peak emission wavelengths. Further, the light emitting diode having a narrow emission wavelength range is used along with the phosphor, and thus, yellow-green light or orange light having a relatively wide emission wavelength range can be emitted. Thereby, various colors in the visible light wavelength range and excellent color rendering properties are manifested.

Since the LED of the present invention having high color temperature and excellent color rendering properties functions to easily realize the desired emission on the color coordinate system, it can be variously applied to mobile phones, notebook computers, and keypads or backlight units for various electronic products. In particular, the LED can be used for automobiles and exterior and interior lighting fixtures. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emitting device, comprising: a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to produce a primary light; a wavelength conversion means configured to at least partially convert the primary light into a secondary light having peak emission wavelength ranges between 450 nm and 520 nm, between 500 nm and 570 nm, and between 570 nm and 680 nm; and a molded part to enclose the light emitting diodes and the wavelength conversion means.
 2. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting device has a color temperature of 2,000 K to 8,000K or 2,000 K to 10,000 K.
 3. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the wavelength conversion means comprises multiple phosphor components having different peak emission wavelengths in the respective peak emission wavelength ranges.
 4. The light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting device comprises a first heat sink and a second heat sink.
 5. The light emitting device of claim 4, wherein the light emitting device comprises a separating portion dividing the first heat sink and the second heat sink.
 6. The light emitting device of claim 5, wherein the first heat sink is disposed on first light emitting diode and the second heat sink is disposed on second light emitting diode.
 7. The light emitting device of claim 6, wherein the first heat sink and the second heat sink are directly exposed to an outside.
 8. The light emitting device of claim 7, wherein the first light emitting diode and the second light emitting diode are spaced apart from each other by the separating portion.
 9. The light emitting device of claim 7, wherein the first heat sink comprises a recess for mounting the first light emitting diode, and the second heat sink comprises a recess for mounting the second light emitting diode. 